Notes: If you haven't read the 'Erts Epic' (a.k.a. "His Brother's Keeper"), you probably should before going any further.  It's not THAT long, and provides some back story for many things Erts says/does here.  If you don't (and thereby deprive yourself of what I consider a good series that's also a prequel to this), here's a quick rundown:

Erts is now especially close to his Goddess (her proper name is apparently Heltage, but Erts affectionately calls her Emily) and his Repairer, Tune.  He's also managed to befriend (that's not quite accurate; you should REALLY go back and read…) the Hikura siblings.  Sorry if I confused you by delaying that info.

Again, I dunno if I portrayed Phil right, but I did try, whether you can tell or not.

I should probably state that this will not be a Zero/Kizna, no matter how much it seems that way...nor will it be Erts/Kazuhi.  At least, I don't plan for it to be.  So if it ever seems that way…keep an open mind.

Erts had been standing outside Yu's door for the past ten minutes.  He was almost certain that he was going to knock this time, too.  Assuming he couldn't come up with yet another excuse not to, anyway.

He glanced uncertainly at the camera in his left hand, and knocked with the right. 

"Come in," Yu said.

Erts hesitated for a moment before slipping inside.  He was not quite prepared for what he found.

Having checked all the other usual places, Erts had correctly assumed that Kazuhi would be with her brother.  He had in fact waited for a time when they would most likely be together, in order to avoid a possible disagreement by only approaching one of them.  Though, now that he thought about it, Erts could never recall seeing the Hikura siblings disagree with each other.

And now he stood before them, positive that he'd walked in on a rather intimate moment.  At least, it seemed extremely private, if nothing else.

Yu was seated on the edge on the bed, his legs folded neatly beneath him.  He was shirtless, and tiny but noticeable scars randomly decorated his back like a series of bizarre but captivating tattoos.  There was an odd sheen, resembling sweat somewhat but far too shiny for it, coating his pale skin, which gave it an almost celestial glow in the dim light.  The reason for this was soon obvious: Kazuhi, seated directly behind him on the bed, was in the process of applying generous amounts of the strange oil and carefully massaging it into his skin.

"…I…could come back later," Erts began uneasily.  "Tomorrow, even…?"

Erts could not see Yu's face from where he was standing, but Kazuhi glanced back at him with an almost annoyed look on her face.  It took him a few seconds to realize that she was waiting for him to explain why he'd come, and not indicating that he should leave.  But Erts could not help feeling out of place.

"Yu-san…if I am…intruding…"

"You could not intrude if you tried, Erts-san," Yu pointed out.  "And I did invite you in.  Did you wish to speak to me?"

"Ah…it was more of a request…for both of you, really…"  He paused to let that sink in.

Kazuhi did not appear to be at all affected by her inclusion in the request, nor did Yu's posture seem to outwardly disagree.  But neither of them said anything.

Erts was very aware that he was starting to sweat.  "You see…I have a friend on G.O.A., and-"

"Zero?" Kazuhi murmured at once, perhaps trying not to seem too interested.

Erts blinked and smiled slightly, touched that she'd remembered.  "Not exactly.  Well, he IS my friend, but the request isn't for him.  My…um…former Repairer and I.  We were…ARE…very close, and she's…curious about the…people I respect."  He had almost said "people close to me," but then his gaze had landed on Yu's ceremonial swords.  Absently, he wondered if that was why Yu kept them out in the open: to be noticed, and, perhaps to deter unwelcome comments concerning Kazuhi.  Maybe even comments that other foolish Pilots might make…

"Your request, Erts-san?" Kazuhi asked suddenly, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Oh.  Yes.  Well.  Rome was…I was, actually…hoping that you might…ah…allow me to…take a picture.  Of you two.  Together, possibly?"

No one said anything for a very long time.

And then: "Erts-san."

"Yes, Yu-san?"

"…we will meet you in the docking bay in an hour."

"An…hour?" Erts asked, not quite sure he'd heard right.

"Yes."  There was a long pause.  "Unless you believe your former Repairer might somehow benefit from seeing me in this current state."

Erts turned scarlet at the thought of exactly how Rome might benefit.  "An hour would be perfect, Yu-san."

* * * * *

Dr. Croford sighed and shook her head.  "You really shouldn't get your hopes up, 88.  I admire your dedication to your Repairer, but I don't think she'll be waking up again anytime soon."

Zero had wisely told no one about his last visit to Kizna.  But it was going to be rather difficult to kick a doctor out of the room.  Still, the sooner she left, the sooner he'd be alone with Kizna…and possibly the Victim.

"It doesn't matter.  I'm not leaving her behind."

Dr. Croford smiled.  "A wise and healthy sentiment.  But an unusual one, coming from someone in advanced training.  Which reminds me..."

Zero almost scowled at her continued conversation.  "Yes?"

"The next time you and 85 come down here, you're both getting physicals.  I don't know how the higher-ups managed to keep you away from me for this long, but any Candidates in advanced training should've been getting them regularly."

"Maybe we're exceptional," Zero replied, shooting her a haughty look.

But instead of smacking him for his cheek, Dr. Croford merely smirked and walked away.  "Maybe you are, 88.  Maybe you are."

Almost unable to believe his good luck, Zero waited until the doctor's footsteps faded, then leaned over his Repairer.  "Kizna...?" he whispered.

Her eyes snapped open, but they were a frightening shade of crimson.  "Do not forget," she hissed, grabbing his collar just before falling asleep again.

Zero blinked and shook her gently.  "Kizna?  Can you hear me?  It's Zero."

There was no response.

After a few minutes, Zero gave up and kicked the wall in his frustration.  He had been a fool to think the Victim would keep their word.  Now they had Kizna, and had almost gotten their claws on the White Goddess...assuming that they were even telling the truth about Zero's impending promotion to GIS. 

What good was the legendary Teela if she couldn't protect the Candidates from the Victim?  Or was Zion the only thing worth protecting to her?

"...Zero?" a familiar voice whispered weakly.

He spun around, eyes widening at what he saw.  "Kizna...?!"

Kizna was rubbing her eyes and blinking slowly.  "What...where...am I?"  Then she gasped.  "How long have I—oh, Zero, did we-"

But he didn't give her a chance to blame herself for costing them a rank (even though she hadn't). 

Before she could complete the thought, Zero walked over, sat down on the bed, and wrapped his arms around her.

Kizna trailed off abruptly, not sure whether she should be touched, or if she should touch Zero...with her fist.  Then she realized he was shaking silently, and felt her shoulder growing damp.  Almost automatically, she hugged him back, a warm smile on her face.  "Zero..."

"I...I thought you were..." he began to mumble into her shoulder.  He started again.  "I didn't know if...if you..."

She gently drew his head up so she could look him in the eyes.  She was startled by how vulnerable he looked with tears running down his face.  "I'm fine, Zero," she said, trying to reassure him.  "Really."

"Are you sure?  You haven't hit me yet."

Kizna chuckled.  "Maybe later."  Her smile faded.  "Zero?"

"Yeah?"

"Have you been...working out?" she asked in surprise, squeezing his bare arms.

Zero realized he still had a lot to tell her.  He also realized that he only had about ten minutes to get back to the gravity chamber.  "I missed you, Kizna," he said quietly, squeezing her hands.  "Don't...do that to me again.  Okay?"

She nodded, still not really used to Zero acting this way. 

He smiled and cupped her cheek gently before standing up.  "I have to go.  Are you sure you're...okay?"

Kizna nodded again, and called him as he reached the door.  "Zero?"

He paused without turning around.  "Yeah?"

"...I missed you, too," she admitted.  "Sorry I worried you."

He grinned over his shoulder at her.  "I forgive you."

Then he was gone, racing out of the room as if his life—or rank—depended on it.

* * * * *

Phil was thoroughly ashamed of herself.

She'd woken up in Rio's arms. 

He, of course, had a dreamy, goofy smile plastered on his face.

She (after the blush faded from her cheeks) realized that the Agui Keimeia stilled needed to undergo major repairs, and that it was her job.

So Rio would probably wake up wondering why his cheek pained him, and how the red handprint had gotten there.  Eventually, he'd recall the events of the previous night, and no doubt tease her mercilessly about it, or at least brag to Gareas (who would listen) and Erts (who would pretend he wasn't listening, for her sake).

In the meantime, Phil was running to the docking bay, hoping this lapse in duty wouldn't stain her record too badly.

But when she got there, she couldn't figure out what had happened.

Agui Keimeia had been slammed into by a decent-sized Victim in a largely successful attempt to protect Reneighd Klein.  Therefore, there should've (and HAD) been a rather large dent in the central chestplate. 

But the dent was mysteriously missing, and the majority of the Ingrid, give or take a few scratches, was virtually spotless.

"Consider it an early birthday present," Leena said, suddenly appearing at the end of the ramp.  "Or a favor between good friends."

Phil's mouth worked, but no sound came out.

"We left you some dings and nicks," Tune added in what she hoped was a helpful tone.  "We knew you'd be mad if we did all the work."  She paused.  "You...you're not...mad, are you, Phil?"

Phil took several deep breaths.  "Why?" she asked at last.  "Why...did you...?"

Leena smiled and threw an arm companionably around Phil's shoulders.  "Because we're your dear friends and we love you, silly goose.  Why else would we do it?"

Phil's eyes narrowed in suspicion.  "And I suppose this had nothing to do with Rio?"

Tune shook her head rapidly.

But Leena grinned.  "Far be it from me to deprive poor Rio of his favorite snuggle bunny."

Phil's left eyebrow twitched wildly.  "WHAT?!"

Tune wisely backed up, muttering something about checking on Erts before practically running out of the docking bay.

"Oh, calm down, Phil," Leena said, patting her arm.  "You really should put some of that energy to good use by finishing up the repairs."  She grinned, unable to stop herself.  "Unless your night with Rio has just left you...drained...exhausted...worn out..."

"I'm FINE," Phil snapped, grabbing the dust rag from Leena's hand and storming up the ramp.

If Leena noticed that Phil's cheeks were a spectacular shade of red, she decided not to mention it.

* * * * *

Erts was very much relieved (and secretly very pleased) when he found both Hikura siblings, fully dressed in battle attire, standing in front of the Tellia Kallisto.  Yu was standing aside patiently, while Kazuhi was making minor adjustments to the Ingrid.

Yu noticed him a second later.  "I trust this is more fitting, Erts-san?" he asked, spreading his arms slightly.

Erts nodded quickly.  "I'm sure Rome will be very impressed."

At the mention of his former Repairer, Erts noticed a flash of movement near the Agui Keimeia.  He was not at all surprised to find Phil at her console, her fingers flying rapidly as she entered commands.  Watching her gave a new appreciation to how hard all Repairers—Tune in particular—really worked.

"And how do I look, Erts-san?"

Erts swallowed a gasp when he realized it was not Phil that had asked the question.  Not that he would've had a good answer even then.  He turned slowly to face Kazuhi (and more importantly, Yu, who was also awaiting his answer), trying to appear calm.  "You look…refined and lovely as always, Kazuhi-san."  He hated to use any form of the word "love" around Yu, but it was already out of his mouth.

However, this answer was apparently exactly what Kazuhi was expecting, and satisfactory enough for Yu, who gave no indication that he would throttle Erts immediately.

"We thought your former Repairer might appreciate the inclusion of Tellia Kallisto," Yu said, not missing a beat.

Erts nodded again.  "I'm positive she would."

All in all, the photo session went very well.  Erts only very nearly dropped the camera once, when Yu winced slightly from the flash, which Erts had mistaken for a snarl of rage.

"I want to thank you both again for allowing me this honor," Erts said when it was done.

Kazuhi nodded and turned back the Tellia Kallisto.

Erts was walking away when Yu…appeared in front of him.  There was no other word for it; he simply had not been there a second before, and Erts nearly ended up walking into him.

"Erts-san," he said quietly, his eyes fixed on some point just beyond Erts.  "I would like to discuss a matter of great importance with you."

Erts instantly became nervous, but agreed because Yu had (technically) asked, and he wanted no ill will between them.

Yu led him out of the docking bay and into the hall, where they stopped.  "I hope you can forgive me for being so forward, Erts-san," Yu said without facing him, "but there is something I have been meaning to ask you for some time."

Erts could swear his heart was about to stop, and actually closed his eyes, waiting for the blow upon his inevitable answer.

"Do you…care for Kazuhi?"

Erts lowered his head.  "In what sense, Yu-san?"

There was a slight pause.  "In the sense that her general well-being concerns you."

That made Erts open his eyes.  "I would not like to see her upset or harmed, if that's what you mean."

"I ask because…I will not be here forever.  I fear that my sister's time here may be increasingly difficult without someone she can put her complete trust in.  I would like for that person to be you, Erts-san…and I think that my sister would as well."  Yu finally turned around and looked Erts in the eyes.  "Will you watch over her, Erts-san?"

"…Yes, Yu-san," Erts replied after a moment.  "I will watch over her for you."

"No," he said at once, his face grave.  "Not for me.  It must be for her…or for you…or not at all."

"Then…I will watch over her for both our sakes."

Yu looked as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders…and yet he managed to look totally unchanged from just a few short moments ago.  "Thank you, Erts-san.  I will not forget this."

Erts suddenly found himself alone.  But not for long.

Phil emerged from the docking bay and found him standing there.  "Erts?  You okay?"  She touched his arm.

"Yes, Phil," Erts replied, shaking his head slightly.  "I was…thinking.  Thanks for your concern."

"Actually, I was hoping I'd run into you," Phil continued.  "I…um…overhead Yu mention your former Repairer earlier…"

"I suppose the docking bay does do wonders for echoes," Erts responded, smiling a little.

Phil grinned.  "Sure.  I was thinking…maybe you'd like to take my picture, too?"

Erts tried to feign surprise.  "You…wouldn't mind?"

She blinked.  "Why would I mind?"

"It's just…you never let Rio take pictures of you…"

"Because I know what that idiot would DO with them, that's why," Phil huffed.  "I know you're a gentleman, Erts, and a man of your word.  If you say it's for your former Repairer, I believe you."

"Thank you, Phil.  You don't know how much that means to me, coming from you."

Phil waved off his thanks.  "So, let's go!"  She took his arm and dragged him down the hall.

"Um…but, Phil!  The docking bay's the other way…?"

"I know.  We're going to your room!"

"…MY room?"

"Well, yes!  You don't want your friend to think all of us are so proper and dignified that we can't be seen together in a casual setting, do you?"

"It's just…I don't want Rome to get the wrong impression…"

"She the jealous type?  Don't worry, I'll write her a note explaining it was my idea."

"You'd…do that for me, Phil?"

"Sure I would!"  She smiled and gave him a one-armed hug.  "That's what friends are for, right?"

Erts smiled faintly.  "Right," he agreed.

* * * * *